Natasia leaned forward. Her eyes were suddenly bright with eagerness. “How?”

Sasha didn’t answer.

“Tell me. You know something. You have some plan, don’t you?”

“Maybe we’ll discuss it.” Sasha shrugged. “Or maybe we won’t. I don’t like the way you spoke to Jeanne. I don’t see how I could trust someone that unkind. If I see a change of attitude…for instance, if you distract the guards when they start spitting those taunts at Jeanne, I might change my mind, too.”

“Change my attitude?” Natasia was glaring at her. “I just spoke the truth. She’d never survive if she listened to you. I never liked you, you know. You never treated me with the respect everyone else did. I tried to tell myself you were just stupid, and didn’t understand that you were only stable help and didn’t realize the difference in station.” Her lips tightened. “But you’re not stupid, you just didn’t care.”

“No, I didn’t care,” Sasha said quietly. “All I cared about was that you were kind to the horses. Actually, kinder than you were to the other students in your clique. Definitely kinder than you’ve been to Jeanne since she was almost torn apart by those animals.” She stared her in the eye. “I’m trying to tell myself that it could be that you felt torn apart, too. But it doesn’t work for me. If there’s ever been a time when we should be kind to each other, it’s now.” She got to her feet and looked down at Natasia. “I need help, but you’re not the person I’d pick if I had a wider choice. Still, you’re strong and smart, and that will have to be enough for right now. So you’ll be kind and you’ll cooperate and you’ll do everything I ask without question. Then perhaps you’ll end up free of those chains and go home to Moscow to all of those adoring people who appreciate you as they should. Do we understand each other?”

Natasia was silent. Then she said impatiently, “Of course we do. Now tell me how you’re going to make this happen.”

Sasha shook her head. “You’ll have to be content with bits and pieces.” She looked back at Jeanne. “Take care of her. Try to talk to her. It’s all we can—”

“Taking care of our little Jeanne?” Masenak asked from the door. “You shouldn’t waste your time. I hear she’s been no trouble at all since I had her properly taught at the event.”

“Taught? She did nothing and you almost—”

“Quiet!” His voice was sharp. “Unless you want to see me give a few more of your friends lessons. Come out of that stinking tent.” He turned on his heel. “I want to talk to you.”